Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Hebrews 10:19-39 | Small Group Questions






In August of 2021 Coastline Bible Church started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For approximately five months we are going to study the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. For this sermon Doug Meye wrote the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS – Hold Tight to the One Who Holds On – Hebrews 10:19-39

This passage often carries the subtitle, “A Call to Persevere.” But as was suggest in the message on Sunday, this heading doesn’t seem to capture the urgency conveyed n the passage or the high stakes involved. The author knows that because of challenging circumstances some are being tempted to go back to their old way of relating to God and abandon their new faith in Christ. This passage not only provides a sober warning, but practical helps and the confident assurance that they are going to make it to the finish line.

1) All of us probably know people who at one time were walking with God, but now seem to be far from Him. What causes people to walk away from their faith (Hebrews 2:1, Mark 4:19)?

2) Read through the entire passage, Hebrews 10:19-39. What is the primary feeling(s) that you have as you listen to this passage? And why? How does the passage fit into what the author has already written in Hebrews?

3) In verses 22-24 the author shares three exhortations, each beginning with the phrase, “Let us….”. What are the three exhortations? Reflect on the words of each exhortation? What further observations do you want to make about each (note specific words, phrases, what the author does not say, etc)?

4) Which of these three exhortations do you most need in your life today? How can you put the exhortation into practice?

5) Verse 25 talks about “encouraging one another.” How can others encourage you?

6) Whatever else you want to say about verses 26-31, it is certainly a warning. How do these verses fit into how the author describes the letter as a whole in Hebrews 13:22 --“word of exhortation”?

7) What do we learn about the first-century Christian community to whom the author is writing in verses 32-39? Is there a cost/suffering if you live as a follower of Jesus today? What in these verses encourages you to endure loss and stand strong for Jesus? Explain.

8) Who in your circle of relations needs hear the gospel? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for each other. Pray that you would all do what it takes to draw near to God,  be an encouragement to each other, and stand up for Jesus regardless what it might cost. 




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